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Recycling Requirements

CAMDEN COUNTY RECYCLING REQUIREMENTS

Recycling became mandatory for all New Jersey business establishments and institutions on April 20, 1987 when then Governor Tom Kean signed the Mandatory Source Separation and Recycling Act into law N.J.S.A. 13:1E-1 et seq. The passage of this Act established New Jersey as a national leader in recycling, requiring that recyclable materials be separated from the municipal solid waste stream with the goal to recycle 25%. More recently the New Jersey Legislature adopted a State goal of 60% recycling. Camden County’s strategy for achieving this goal is embodied in Camden County Solid Waste Plan Amendment 72-8-93 as adopted by the Camden County Board of Freeholders on August 19, 1993.

While residential recycling is effective in moving New Jersey and Camden County toward our recycling goals, our residents cannot do it alone. We need your help too. Businesses and institutions generate a large portion of solid waste. In many instances this waste can be recycled more easily than residential waste because of its relatively homogenous nature and the availability of local markets to accept the recyclable materials generated. In fact, more than half of New Jersey’s documented recycling tonnage was attributable to commercial sector initiatives. Still, opportunities exist for increased recycling within the commercial/institutional sector. Whether you own or manage a shopping mall, supermarket, card store, delicatessen, office building, high-rise apartment, school, print shop, tavern, bank or hospital, you can make a contribution.

Your business/institution will derive many benefits from recycling. Recycling can lower your waste disposal costs. And, recycling is also good for your company’s public image. By promoting the fact that your business or institution recycles, you let your clients and customers know that your business is a conscientious corporate citizen. People recognize that recycling helps our environment and they will respond favorably if they know that your business is actively involved in a County or municipal recycling program.

RECYCLING REQUIREMENTS

To comply with the State’s recycling laws and Camden County’s 60% Recycling Plan (adopted as Camden County Solid Waste Management Plan Amendment, 70-8-93 on August 23, 1993), the following materials must be recycled if they are generated by your business/institution:

Your responsibility as the owner, operator or manager of a business, institution or commercial complex, is to ensure that a recycling program is implemented. This program should provide for the effective source separation of the above listed mandated recyclable materials.

While the list may appear ominous, chances are not all of the materials on the list are generated by your particular business/institution. Camden County, through its Division of Environmental Affairs (856-858-5241), can assist you in determining how and where to recycle them.